Why Donate?
Everyone needs blood to live. It is estimated that 4.5 million American lives
are saved each year from blood transfusions. Do you know anyone
who has cancer, was injured in a car crash or had a surgery? These
people need blood to survive and it only comes from people who take
the time to donate blood. Click
here to view a blood usage chart.
This page explains blood, where and how to donate, the steps involved
and frequently
asked questions.
Blood carries gases, nutrients and waste products through the body.
Blood also fights infections, heals wounds and performs many
other vital functions. There is no substitute for blood. It cannot
be made or manufactured. Donors are the only source of blood
for patients who need it.
 One unit of blood can be separated into components: red blood
cells, white blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate.
Red cells, white cells and platelets are made in the marrow of
bones, especially the vertebrae, ribs, hips, skull and sternum.
These essential blood cells fight infection, carry oxygen and
help control bleeding.
Plasma is a pale yellow mixture of water, proteins and salts.
One of the functions of plasma is to act as a carrier for blood
cells, nutrients, enzymes and hormones.
Red blood cells are disc-shaped cells containing hemoglobin,
which enables the cells to pick up and deliver oxygen to all
parts of the body, then pick up carbon dioxide and remove it
from tissues.
Red Blood Cells Photo Copyright: Dennis Kunkel, University of
Hawaii
White cells are the body's primary defense against infection.
They can move out of the blood stream and reach tissues being
invaded by microbes and foreign bodies.
Information Provided by AABB
If your child, or someone very close to you, needed 10 units of A-negative blood
in the next few minutes, where would you get it? You’d expect your hospital
to have an adequate supply on hand to save a life. Hospitals depend on the
Central Illinois Community Blood Center (CICBC) to provide the blood, 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. Where does CICBC get the blood? We get blood from people who are willing, able and take an hour from their schedule to donate at our donor room, at a fixed site blood drive or the bloodmobile.
- Please donate blood! Better yet, bring a friend or family
member to donate with you and share in the satisfaction in
knowing that you helped give the gift of life.
- Organize a blood drive. Blood Center staff will be happy
to work with you during each step of the way. Please click
here to find a donor
relations manager in your area.
- Volunteer. You can support your community by helping
in a number of ways, including helping at a local drive
in your community. To learn more about our volunteer opportunities, please call the Blood Center toll-free at
1-866-GIVE BLD (1-866-448-3253) or e-mail us at lmilner@cicbc.org.
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Red Blood Cells Deliver Oxygen